The Nagaland Assembly today referred the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill back to the state government for further examination following fresh concerns raised by MLAs and pending inputs from the Centre.
The Bill, introduced on Thursday by Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, was listed for discussion and passage on Friday.
However, before it could be taken up, Speaker Sharingain Longkumer informed the House of a communication received from Parliamentary Affairs Minister KG Kenye.
Originally structured to enhance socio-economic and administrative dynamics in Eastern Nagaland, the FNTA Bill was compared to the Memorandum of Agreement signed in February, revealing several inconsistencies. These discrepancies prompted Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and other state officials to urge a reconsideration of the bill’s provisions.
Highlighting legal and procedural hurdles, Rio emphasized that legislative authority cannot be transferred to the FNTA under current constitutional guidelines. With recommendations to defer the bill until explicit resolutions are achieved, the state cabinet has referred the matter to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for a comprehensive review and further legal consultations.
FNTA Bill Sent Back to Government by Nagaland Legislative Assembly
